What is the Jewelry Area?

The Jewelry Studio is a fully functional studio for jewelry/metalsmithing. Weekly classes, weekend workshops, and private instruction is available. The studio is available for member use after tool testing is completed.

Be sure to check the class schedule for jewelry to ensure the area is available for use. A summary of current and upcoming jewelry classes may be found here.

The Jewelry area provides tools to fabricate jewelry (embellishment and adornment), sculpture, and practical objects.

Treat tools and equipment carefully and put them back, clean, where you found them so they will be there next time!

Metalsmithing

Brass Box:Metalsmithing

Metalsmithing is the fabrication of small objects using the tools within Jewelry, although the finished objects are not necessarily jewelry items. Jewelry generally means anything that exists for adornment.

If you're interested in most CNC operations or plan to work with larger chunks of metal, check out machining and welding.

Consumables Not Provided

Bits and burrs for the flex-shaft machines, though a miscellaneous assortment may be available at any given time.

Buying Consumables

We have a small box of supplies for sale: solder, drill bits, saw blades, etc. Prices and directions for payment are in the box with the consumables.

Classes

Classes offered in Jewelry/Metalsmithing can be found here. A photo album of projects and studio pics can be found here.

Workshops

Offered in a variety of topics, rotating selection. Usually 1/2 or full day on a weekend.

Example Workshops

Resin Inlay

Bang out a Bangle

Spinning Ring

Ring with Bezel set cabochon

Make a Pendant

Beading

Buttons for Clothing

Leather and Silver Cuffs

Metal Puppet

Holiday Ornaments

Make a Ring

Soldering Clinic

Jewelry 101

PreReq: None
Learn the basics of jewelry fabrication techniques. These include piercing, drilling, silver soldering, filing, sanding, annealing, torch operation, riveting, and polishing. Students execute a final project with a bezel-set cabochon semi-precious stone. A material fee is included in the class price. 7 weeks.

Jewelry 201

PreReq: Jewelry 101 or Equivalent: Build on the foundations learned in Jewelry 101 and learn intermediate jewelry skills such as hydraulic press, disc cutting and dapping, advanced mechanisms such as hinges, and more. A material fee will be charged. 3 weeks.

Independent or Self-Directed Jewelry

PreReq: Jewelry 101 or Equivalent or permission of instructor: Self directed projects with assistance of an instructor. May run concurrently with Jewelry 201. This class is sometimes known as "Directed Open Studio".

Enameling

Several week class or one day class in learning the art of enameling.

Tool Training and Testing

Sign up through the Asylum website.
See below for further information.

Casting

Investment casting with lost wax techniques as well as casting organics and 3D printed objects. More information about classes can be found on the Asylum's website or here.

Private Lessons and Classes

Instructors are available for private, one on one lessons. Private classes may be arranged for your group as well. Please contact Karen Burke or Sage Kochavi (SageKochaviRESageKochaviMOgmail.comVEME@gmail.com).

Area Etiquette

Sign in.

Put things back where they came from. Sweep up bench tops and floor.

Properly shut down torch: bleed lines, back off the pressure by loosening the key.

Take care of tools, use them properly and do not damage tools.

Be careful with water! While water is mandatory for many jewelry processes, it can ruin steel tools. Keep things dry.

Do not work on steel or aluminum in the area -- ever!

Pay attention to the maximum material thicknesses and types when using tools, especially cutting and bending tools.

Ask others if you are uncertain about tool operation.

Do not put broken tools back. Leave them out with a note at the very least. Safety first.

Common Hot Craft Skills

Tool Training and Testing

Tools Requiring Training

Training is required (and available) for the following Jewelry shop tools. The Casting tool set has its own training requirements. If you are already proficient, testing sessions are also available to get signed off. The training and testing information is available on these pages: